Malayalam actor Dhyan Sreenivasan recently opened up in a humorous tone about his parents' hesitancy to watch his films in theatres, while speaking at the success celebration of his latest release, Detective Ujjwalan. Despite his film receiving strong responses from audiences, Dhyan revealed that his parents — legendary actor Sreenivasan and his wife — often avoid watching his movies at the cinema due to fear of media scrutiny and potential awkwardness in passing judgment on their son's work.

“Recently, my mother asked me if a new film of mine had released. My father was there too. I told them the film's title is Detective Ujjwalan and it's produced by Sophia Paul. They were unsure whether they could go see it in theatres. The concern isn’t about the film — they’re scared of you, the media,” Dhyan quipped to journalists, eliciting laughter. “They’re worried that if someone asks for their opinion, they won’t be able to criticise their own son honestly. So lately, they’ve been avoiding my films altogether.”

However, Dhyan reassured them this time: “I told them it's safe to watch, no bad name will come of it, and even if someone asks for a comment, just say it was good. That should do.”

He further added with a smile, “Sreenivasan is now holed up at home out of fear of the media. Please don’t trouble him with opinion questions!”

Addressing the rise of YouTube film reviewers, Dhyan took a balanced stance. He dismissed the idea of criticising or physically confronting reviewers for unfavourable opinions, noting that reviews are inherently subjective. “Each reviewer comments based on how a film worked for them. It’s all relative. You can’t just ask someone ‘Why didn’t you give a correct review?’ and go after them.”

He shared a personal example: “I once watched a film based on a YouTuber's glowing review, but it didn’t work for me. When I asked him about it later, he said it’s the kind of film that’s meant to be experienced in the theatre — not on OTT. And I understood.”

He also challenged the common notion that a film’s true value emerges only after its OTT release. “That’s not entirely accurate. Some films are meant to be experienced in theatres. Watching them elsewhere doesn’t do justice.”

Detective Ujjwalan, a comedy-investigation thriller starring Dhyan Sreenivasan and Siju Wilson, is currently enjoying a strong theatrical run. Directed by newcomers Indraneel GK and Rahul G, the film is produced by Sophia Paul under the Weekend Blockbusters banner — the same studio that launched the Minnal Murali franchise. Detective Ujjwalan is part of the growing Weekend Cinematic Universe initiated by the production house.

The film has been praised for its humour, engaging plot, and fresh direction, marking another win for Malayalam cinema’s evolving storytelling styles.